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What you need to know before you go to the Ohio State Fair

July 24, 2019 By Nedra McDaniel Leave a Comment

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What you need to know before you go to the Ohio State Fair

The Ohio State Fair in Columbus, Ohio has been a family tradition since 1850. To make the most out of your visit, it helps to know these tips before you go.

 visit Ohio State Fair

Wear comfortable shoes and clothing

Comfort is key because you will be putting on a lot of miles during your visit. Wear comfortable clothing and don’t forget the sunscreen.

Bring bottled water and snacks for little ones

You are allowed to bring food and non-alcoholic drinks into the fair. Save money by bringing your own water and then you can enjoy more vendor foods. I suggest packing a small backpack. *No glass containers are permitted.

Visit the ATM before you arrive

Most of the vendors only take cash. If you do need to use the ATM at the fair you will be charged a $5 service fee on top of any additional fees from your bank.

Bring a battery charger for your phone

Your battery life can go down quickly during a long day at the fair. If you do find yourself low on battery life without a backup there are several complimentary charging stations at the fair.

walking at Ohio State Fair

Bring a stroller or wagon for younger kids

You do not want to have to carry kids and a bunch of stuff at the end of the day. Make your life easier by having an option for kids who grow tired. If you forgot your stroller at home, there are rentals available at the fair.

Take a daily schedule with a fair map

Make sure that you check out the daily schedule so that you don’t miss any of the events that your family would be interested in.

There are lots of free events and activities going on throughout the day. Use the schedule and map to help plan out your day and avoid a lot of backtracking.

Set a spending budget

Help your kids understand their options and let them be a part of the decision making process. This is especially helpful when it comes to sampling different types of foods at the fair.

Share items so that you can sample more or allow each person to choose a few items that they really want to try on their own.

shuttles Ohio State Fair

Take a picture of where you parked

It’s easy to forget where you parked your vehicle when you are surrounded by hundreds of cars. Take a picture and also take advantage of the complimentary shuttles to and from the parking lot to the gate entrance.

Establish a plan ahead of time in case someone gets lost

Communicate to your kids what to do if they get separated from you. There are lost kid stations located at the park.

Younger families: Be on the lookout for the Family Care Centers

There are two large air-conditioned family stations located at the fair where you can change a diaper or enjoy privacy if you are a nursing mom.

Ohio pork at Ohio State Fair

Sample the Fair Foods

No visit to the fair is complete without trying some of the fair food! There is an Ohio State Fair app to help you locate your favorite fair foods and other points of interest.

Food at Ohio State Fair

A few of our favorites during our visit to the Ohio State Fair were

  • French waffles
  • “Pig Wings” and Pork lender loin on a stick at Ohio Pork
  • Dole Whip
  • Lemon Shakeup
  • Bacon wrapped deep fried Oreo
  • Deep fried Buckeye
  • Ice cream sundae funnel cake
  • Schmidt’s Sausage and cream puff

Ohio State Fair Food

A few other noteworthy fair foods are

  • Roasted Corn
  • Deep fried taco
  • Donut Burger
  • Cheese Curds
  • Tater Tots

Photo opps Ohio State Fair

Take pictures with the iconic fair landmarks

  1. Butter Cow
  2. Ohio sign
  3. Smoky the Bear
  4. Red Cardinal

Animal exhibits Ohio State Fair

Visit the animals and ask questions

There is no such thing as a stupid question! Learn more about the animals and farm life from the people that you meet inside the barns and get a greater appreciation of what goes into the meaning of farm to table.

DNR Ohio State Fair

Visit the Natural Resources Park

This park is such a gem and almost make you forget that you are still at the fair.

The Natural Resources Park is operated by the Department of Natural Resources and provides guests opportunities to connect and learn more about nature with hands-on activities and exhibits.

Kids under 14 can learn to fish along with other outdoor activities.

Kids Fishing at Ohio State Fair

The natural environment is extremely relaxing and a wonderful place to enjoy time reconnecting with nature.

There is an aviary, animal rescue, butterfly house, playground, archery range, and many hands-on learning areas.

art exhibit Ohio State Fair

Don’t forget the exhibit halls

There is a lot of talent on display in the exhibit halls. Take a few moments and enjoy the creativity on display in a variety of mediums.

Giant slide at the Ohio State Fair 1

Purchase a wrist band if you plan on riding a lot of rides

There is a greater value with wrist band purchases for the rides. If your kids can ride the rides by themselves you might not need to purchase one. *Wrist bands do not work for the Sky Lift ride.

Ride the Skylift at Ohio State Fair e1501444528138

 The Ohio State Fair will take place July 24 – August 4, 2019.

You can find out more information from the Ohio State Fair website.

 

Thanks again to Ohio State Fair for hosting our visit. 

 

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What you need to know before you go to the Ohio State Fair in Columbus

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Filed Under: Adventures With Friends, Amusement/ Theme Parks, Family Adventures, Featured, Special Event/ Exhibits, Travel Tagged With: Columbus, Ohio, Ohio State Fair

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